Starting back in February, we have been attempting to piece together elements that would assist in addressing the large and multi-faceted notion of "Social Justice."  We discussed biblical definitions of terms like justice and forgiveness, we reviewed the history of the social justice movement starting in the 19th century, we had a conversation with a philosopher to address the reasons social justice is so persuasive among Evangelicals, and we have tried to find the good in the movement. In this episode, Director Hodges gathers together some of the salient points in those past episodes, and draws 8 conclusions that might serve as a Christian response.  We invite you to write us if you would like to ask questions that might arise from these episodes, or debate (serious debate only - we have no time for flaming) with us.  We all want to grow in our understanding and to walk in the Spirit, for the glory of our Lord.  Director@centerws.com.

Starting back in February, we have been attempting to piece together elements that would assist in addressing the large and multi-faceted notion of "Social Justice."  We discussed biblical definitions of terms like justice and forgiveness, we reviewed the history of the social justice movement starting in the 19th century, we had a conversation with a philosopher to address the reasons social justice is so persuasive among Evangelicals, and we have tried to find the good in the movement. In this episode, Director Hodges gathers together some of the salient points in those past episodes, and draws 8 conclusions that might serve as a Christian response.  We invite you to write us if you would like to ask questions that might arise from these episodes, or debate (serious debate only - we have no time for flaming) with us.  We all want to grow in our understanding and to walk in the Spirit, for the glory of our Lord.  Director@centerws.com.

Responding to Social Justice: A Summary of our Recent Podcasts

In this episode, Director Hodges gives an apology for Fairy Tales.  Borrowing extensively on the writings of GK Chesterton, he shows how our present culture often misunderstands the purpose for Fairy Tales, and thus misses out on what can be learned from them.  

In this episode, Director Hodges gives an apology for Fairy Tales.  Borrowing extensively on the writings of GK Chesterton, he shows how our present culture often misunderstands the purpose for Fairy Tales, and thus misses out on what can be learned from them.

Magic in the Mundane: The Real Reason for Fairy Tales

We live in an interesting time.  Christians and Atheists find themselves on the same side in a debate against those who would reject Reason and put the ideology/religion of "Theory" (Critical Theory) in its place.  In this episode, Director Hodges and Pastor Kyle Dillon discuss the book "Cynical Theories" written by Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay.  These two self-described atheists investigate the various facets of "Theory" -- anti-colonialism, feminism, homosexuality, and critical race theory, among others, and reveal the dangers of embracing them.  The fact that SOME Christians and SOME atheists have joined together on the side of Theory, while others of each stripe are against it proves this issue is not an easy one to discern.  This episode attempts to show the strengths and weaknesses of the book's arguments.

We live in an interesting time.  Christians and Atheists find themselves on the same side in a debate against those who would reject Reason and put the ideology/religion of "Theory" (Critical Theory) in its place.  In this episode, Director Hodges and Pastor Kyle Dillon discuss the book "Cynical Theories" written by Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay.  These two self-described atheists investigate the various facets of "Theory" -- anti-colonialism, feminism, homosexuality, and critical race theory, among others, and reveal the dangers of embracing them.  The fact that SOME Christians and SOME atheists have joined together on the side of Theory, while others of each stripe are against it proves this issue is not an easy one to discern.  This episode attempts to show the strengths and weaknesses of the book's arguments.

The Enlightenment Strikes Back: Reasoning Atheists Oppose "Theory"

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right?"  How many times have we heard that?  But the implication that beauty is purely a subjective thing is a relatively recent notion.  It comes originally from Plato, but Irish novelist Margaret Hungerford may have coined the phrase in the 19th century...but what about the Medieval notions of beauty?  Those are pre-modern, pre-Romantic, and quite profound.  In this shorter-than-usual podcast, Director Hodges investigates some of the ways beauty has been understood in the long past.  The builders of the great cathedrals of the 12th and 13th centuries had some specific ideas about number, light, and symbol that were specially relevant in their day, as they still held that there is an invisible spiritual realm that could be reflected to us in materials like stone, light, music, and space.  Perhaps they are still relevant today?

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right?"  How many times have we heard that?  But the implication that beauty is purely a subjective thing is a relatively recent notion.  It comes originally from Plato, but Irish novelist Margaret Hungerford may have coined the phrase in the 19th century...but what about the Medieval notions of beauty?  Those are pre-modern, pre-Romantic, and quite profound.  In this shorter-than-usual podcast, Director Hodges investigates some of the ways beauty has been understood in the long past.  The builders of the great cathedrals of the 12th and 13th centuries had some specific ideas about number, light, and symbol that were specially relevant in their day, as they still held that there is an invisible spiritual realm that could be reflected to us in materials like stone, light, music, and space.  Perhaps they are still relevant today?

Beauty in the Middle Ages: The Wonders of Number, Light, and Symbol

In this, the second part of a discussion with Cal Beisner, Director Hodges and he continue their discussion on the nature of rights.  What is justice, and how can it be properly understood?  What is the place of forgiveness, and grace, and can they be distributed by a government?  And as Christians, do we have any rights before God?  Is it wrong to demand that we be treated fairly, or given what we want in life?  Director Hodges discusses these questions and more with Dr. Cal Beisner of the Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of the Earth.  The hope is to clarify what we can and should expect from government and from the Church by considering the government's role in God's economy.  Government, charity, rights, church, critical theory, racism, sexism

In this, the second part of a discussion with Cal Beisner, Director Hodges and he continue their discussion on the nature of rights.  What is justice, and how can it be properly understood?  What is the place of forgiveness, and grace, and can they be distributed by a government?  And as Christians, do we have any rights before God?  Is it wrong to demand that we be treated fairly, or given what we want in life?  Director Hodges discusses these questions and more with Dr. Cal Beisner of the Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of the Earth.  The hope is to clarify what we can and should expect from government and from the Church by considering the government's role in God's economy. Government, charity, rights, church, critical theory, racism, sexism

Of Negative and Positive Rights: What Part Do They Play in Culture? Part 2

Negative rights and positive rights are not the same things.  To provide what you do not have is a positive, to keep you from losing what you already have is a negative.  Are either of them truly rights in the way that the American Declaration describes unalienable rights?  The government is geared to provide the second, that is, protection by law, but completely unable to provide first, that is, charity, without coercion.  Director Hodges discusses this aspect of our cultural debate with Dr. Cal Beisner of the Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of the Earth.  The hope is to clarify what we can and should expect from government and from the Church by considering the government's role in God's economy.  Government, charity, rights, church, critical theory, racism, sexism

Negative rights and positive rights are not the same things.  To provide what you do not have is a positive, to keep you from losing what you already have is a negative.  Are either of them truly rights in the way that the American Declaration describes unalienable rights?  The government is geared to provide the second, that is, protection by law, but completely unable to provide first, that is, charity, without coercion.  Director Hodges discusses this aspect of our cultural debate with Dr. Cal Beisner of the Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of the Earth.  The hope is to clarify what we can and should expect from government and from the Church by considering the government's role in God's economy. Government, charity, rights, church, critical theory, racism, sexism

Of Negative and Positive Rights: What Part Do They Play in Culture? Pt 1.

Director Hodges sits down with Philip Himebook and talks about Christians in the performing arts, their collaborations (Hodges conducting, Himebook on stage), and their approaches to social media.

Director Hodges sits down with Philip Himebook and talks about Christians in the performing arts, their collaborations (Hodges conducting, Himebook on stage), and their approaches to social media.

Tenors are People Too: A Conversation with Philip Himebook

Doug Groothuis

The Evangelical Church is struggling to make sense of the Social Justice movement.  Why is it so attractive?  How does it engage with bible-believing Christians?  What does it offer the Church?  Director Hodges discusses these questions with Dr. Doug Groothuis, professor of philosophy and apologetics at Denver Seminary.  This episode refers to some articles that Dr. Groothuis has written.  These can be found here, and here.  We also recommend his book TRUTH DECAY.  

The Evangelical Church is struggling to make sense of the Social Justice movement.  Why is it so attractive?  How does it engage with bible-believing Christians?  What does it offer the Church?  Director Hodges discusses these questions with Dr. Doug Groothuis, professor of philosophy and apologetics at Denver Seminary.  This episode refers to some articles that Dr. Groothuis has written.  These can be found <a href="https://www.theeastbywest.com/home/grammar-amp-whiteness" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, and <a href="https://2sai80zhft74386rl1kqxhyw-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/America-Critical-Theory-and-Social-Crisis-Sept-2020-1-2.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.  We also recommend his book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Truth-Decay-Christianity-Challenges-Postmodernism/dp/0830822283/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&amp;keywords=truth+decay&amp;qid=1616084127&amp;sr=8-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TRUTH DECAY</a>.

The Attraction of "Wokeness": A Conversation with Doug Groothuis

Director Hodges discusses the roots of what is called "Critical Theory," with faculty member Jonathan (Jack) Vowell, who is working on his PhD in literary criticism. In this second of two parts, they discuss how Marx's ideas have been adjusted to address more generally the entire culture, going beyond economic conflicts alone.

Director Hodges discusses the roots of what is called "Critical Theory," with faculty member Jonathan (Jack) Vowell, who is working on his PhD in literary criticism. In this second of two parts, they discuss how Marx's ideas have been adjusted to address more generally the entire culture, going beyond economic conflicts alone.

History of Critical Theory Part II: Neo-Marxism in the 20th century

In an ongoing effort to make sense of the ideas that are most influential in our present day, Director Hodges discusses the roots of what is called "Critical Theory," with faculty member Jonathan (Jack) Vowell, who is working on his PhD in literary criticism.  In this first of two parts, they discuss the idealism of GWF Hegel and the materialism of Karl Marx and then set the stage for part two, in which these two address how these ideas have influenced the 20th century, and today.

History of Critical Theory Pt I:  Marx and Materialism

Discussions about ideas, the arts, and culture, with Director John Hodges with friends and faculty of the Center for Western Studies.

Wonderful exchanges of ideas and great explorations of important questions—with yin and yang personalities. If only they offered listener Q&amp;A, then I’d ask them about this guy Chesterton...

Great conversations!

Vowell and Hodges provide an excellent discourse on current topics from the broader perspective of Western culture. Insightful and challenging, their discussion is a breath of fresh air for anyone interested in politics, art, culture, and how modern life intersects historical Western thought and the Christian worldview. Very highly recommended!

Excellent and refreshing!

From the Center

We discuss the Odyssey, Ella Fitzgerald, and Camus!

The Shape of the Odyssey

What the Paris Statement addresses:  A False Europe is being built that embraces a secularized pluralism that they claim is neutral.  But it is not.  It also advocates the goodness of being disconnected from your own land, culture, and traditions -- exiled orphans.

Nations and Cultures:  A Second Look at the Paris Statement

Is Beauty the way to reach today's generation with the Gospel?  Hodges and Vowell discuss what Beauty is, how it relates to Goodness and Truth, and how intangible ideas and experiences can only be communicated through material means.  This is the craft of an art:  to be able to shape material things (sound, clay, paint, stone, words, film) into a means of communicating those ideas and experiences.  Beauty may very well be the experience of seeing the connection between the two.

The Glory of the Lord:  The Beauty of Truth and Goodness

Hodges and Vowell discuss the question of purpose of worship:  is it primarily for God, for believers, or for unbelievers?  The answer to this question can give guidance to such questions as, "what music should we sing in church?" and "what constitutes good music?"  and "what exactly is style in music?"

Music in Worship:  Styles, Orchestration, and Liturgy

Hodges and Vowell use our culture's judgment of races as a jumping off point to discuss the place of and means by which judgment is a properly human activity.

Thou SHALL Judge?  Under what circumstances do we use categories?

Ken Myers

Director Hodges chats with Ken Myers at the Circe National Conference in Charleston, SC where they both were speaking.  The two talk about the development and redefinition of Reason in the Modern world, since the 16th century, and how even the Church is more influenced by Modern thought than she realizes.  Modern Rationalism is not so much the result of unbelieving philosophers, but Christian philosophers who departed from their biblical understanding.

Reason and Irrationality:  An Interview with Ken Myers

What with several of the candidates for the US Presidency claiming to actually BE Socialists, we thought it would be good to discuss the characteristics of Socialism in all its manifestations.  Hodges and Vowell address the misguided assumption that all human problems can be solved by way of the federal government.  Once accepted as true, this assumption makes the claims of Socialism far more compelling, as the essence of Socialism is the promise of Utopia here and now.  Who can argue against free education, free health care, and a guaranteed basic income for all?  To be against these things is to appear self-centered and expose one to all sorts of insulting labels (racist, sexist, homophobe, bigot, et c.). But aren't there two things to consider here?  Diagnosis AND Treatment?  Can't one agree to a diagnosis without endorsing the latest proposed Socialist solutions?  Hodges recommends Hayek's writings on economics, and Vowell recommends Roger Scruton's writings, in particular, On Beauty (renamed Oxford Very Short Introduction to Beauty.)

What with several of the candidates for the US Presidency claiming to actually BE Socialists, we thought it would be good to discuss the characteristics of Socialism in all its manifestations. Hodges and Vowell address the misguided assumption that all human problems can be solved by way of the federal government. Once accepted as true, this assumption makes the claims of Socialism far more compelling, as the essence of Socialism is the promise of Utopia here and now. Who can argue against free education, free health care, and a guaranteed basic income for all? To be against these things is to appear self-centered and expose one to all sorts of insulting labels (racist, sexist, homophobe, bigot, et c.). But aren't there two things to consider here? Diagnosis AND Treatment? Can't one agree to a diagnosis without endorsing the latest proposed Socialist solutions? Hodges recommends Hayek's writings on economics, and Vowell recommends Roger Scruton's writings, in particular, On Beauty (renamed Oxford Very Short Introduction to Beauty.)

On Socialism

Hodges and Vowell celebrate the end of the Center year by reviewing some of the highlights from the study of books read this year.  Marriage and the "Inner Ring" seen in That Hideous Strength; the importance of hospitality in the Odyssey; the relation of sin to punishment in The Inferno; the worst of all sins in Dante and Victor Hugo.

End of the Year Review of Books:  Lewis, Homer, Dante, and Hugo.

It has been a while since we posted a podcast!  Thanks for sticking with us as we traveled to Europe, sold and bought a house and moved ourselves and the Center to the beautiful retreat house we now have!  We hope to get back on our weekly schedule.  In this episode, Hodges and Vowell discuss the superiority of history and the arts over law and government for the improvement of life.

Power of History and the Arts:  How Do They Improve Life?

Frustrations with both sides of the political spectrum lead to a discussion of how political solutions cannot address the real problems of a society.  We relate the moral and idyllic imaginations (Burke, Eliot), and show how left and right seem to assume the idyllic view.  We underestimate the depth of evil in the hearts of men when we think that if we only change political and social systems we will have utopia.  But does this mean we can do nothing?  Certainly not...Correction:  Jack mentions Robert Sheer interview with Matt Walsh, but the man's name is actually Matt Welsh.

Frustrations with both sides of the political spectrum lead to a discussion of how political solutions cannot address the real problems of a society.  We relate the moral and idyllic imaginations (Burke, Eliot), and show how left and right seem to assume the idyllic view.  We underestimate the depth of evil in the hearts of men when we think that if we only change political and social systems we will have utopia.  But does this mean we can do nothing?  Certainly not... Correction:  Jack mentions Robert Sheer interview with Matt Walsh, but the man's name is actually Matt Welsh.

How Nations Go Awry:  Relating Faith and Politics

Hodges and Vowell discuss the liberal arts and their purpose.  What happens to a civilization that loses its understanding of the liberal arts?  Why should we return to them in our general education?  Professors live for the "fire falling" of inspiration in the hearts of our students, but can it be taught?   The loss of the doctrine of the image of God is connected to the loss of the love of the human (or even the definition of the human), and without the human, why study the Humanities?

Losing our Ability to See Through the World:  The Decline of the Liberal Arts

Hodges and Vowell discuss the Revoice Conference to be held in late July, a conference to address how the Church can minister to those who are homosexually attracted but celibate.  They raise and discuss the question of whether or not it is meaningful to speak of "Gay-Christians." Is there any prefix to "Christian" that contributes to the identity of a faithful believer? Is it meaningful to speak of an "adulterous Christian" or "kleptomaniac Christian"?  Where exactly is the sin in sexual sin?  Is it in the action but not the predisposition?  Is homosexual attraction a sin?  Or is it only a temptation?  Is there a difference between attraction and temptation?

On the Revoice Conference 2

What is the difference between Advent and Christmas?  First and Second Comings, and how the Good Samaritan parable speaks of each.  Robert Herrick's poetry.  Merry Christmas to all our listeners!

On Advent and Christmas:  How Can a Jello Salad Change the World?

Hodges and Vowell have a conversation with Dr. E. Calvin Beisner, in which they discuss the way truth is understood.  Do we follow reason or emotion?  Are they two different ways to know?  In debates are we missing each other because one side is reasoning and the other is feeling?  The problem arises in more than debates about global warming, it becomes a key element of discussions about sex and marriage, abortion, economics, tax plans, sexual abuse of women and children, gun control...each side thinks he is reasoning, but more often than not, no amount of reasoning will change minds anymore.  How can very real emotions be related to very real facts?

Relating Reason and Emotions in Knowing

Is sex the same as gender? If different, how? Hodges and Vowell start our third season of the From the Center Podcasts by diving into the thorny issue of gender. With no more authority on the subject than speaking as human beings, the two comment on an article that came from the Vatican in July of this year entitled, "Male and Female He Created Them, Toward a Path of Dialogue On the Question of Gender Theory in Education," (which can be read on line here). The document attempts to lay out "steel man" arguments on both sides. While the document is a needed starting point for cultural address, as it intends, Hodges and Vowell discuss its points in some detail, and consider the cultural ramifications of a culture of self-identity.These podcasts are supported by listeners like you! To make a tax-deductible donation, please make use of our donation page on our website HERE. Thank you!Recommendations: Hodges recommends Russell Kirk's "Roots of the American Order", and  Vowell suggests Marx' "Communist Manifesto."

Is sex the same as gender? If different, how? Hodges and Vowell start our third season of the From the Center Podcasts by diving into the thorny issue of gender. With no more authority on the subject than speaking as human beings, the two comment on an article that came from the Vatican in July of this year entitled, "Male and Female He Created Them, Toward a Path of Dialogue On the Question of Gender Theory in Education," (which can be read on line here). The document attempts to lay out "steel man" arguments on both sides. While the document is a needed starting point for cultural address, as it intends, Hodges and Vowell discuss its points in some detail, and consider the cultural ramifications of a culture of self-identity. These podcasts are supported by listeners like you! To make a tax-deductible donation, please make use of our donation page on our website HERE. Thank you! Recommendations: Hodges recommends Russell Kirk's "Roots of the American Order", and Vowell suggests Marx' "Communist Manifesto."

Male, Female; Masculine, Feminine:  What's the Diff?

With various states presently and recently debating the abortion issue, an article came out arguing that a Christian can be both Pro-life and Pro-choice at the same time.  In an attempt to make sense of it, Hodges and Vowell address the article and its assumptions.   (Here is a link to the article:  https://www.upworthy.com/it-is-possible-to-be-morally-pro-life-and-politically-pro-choice-at-the-same-time)

With various states presently and recently debating the abortion issue, an article came out arguing that a Christian can be both Pro-life and Pro-choice at the same time. In an attempt to make sense of it, Hodges and Vowell address the article and its assumptions. (Here is a link to the article: <a href="https://www.upworthy.com/it-is-possible-to-be-morally-pro-life-and-politically-pro-choice-at-the-same-time" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.upworthy.com/it-is-possible-to-be-morally-pro-life-and-politically-pro-choice-at-the-same-time</a>)

Suffer the Little Children: Can We Be Pro-life and Pro-choice Simultaneously?

One of our recent Sunday night discussions was centered on the debate surrounding the upcoming conference on how the Church might engage the so called LGBTQ community.  That conversation is discussed here, as well as commentary on the articles pro and con.  Is there such a thing as a "gay-Christian"?  What does that mean?   Hodges and Vowell discuss the details of the Revoice mission statement, vision statement, and those of the Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender.

The St. Louis REVOICE Conference Upcoming in July

How does the study of the Humanities help us become more human?  Could it be that the loss of the Humanities has encouraged confusion between humans and computers, robots, AI?  Perhaps the more we look like Jesus, the more we become human, and the more we appreciate the Humanities that exhibit the characteristics of humanness?  Hodges and Vowell discuss what the Humanities have become, and what they could be.

Do the Humanities Describe Humanity?

Attorney General William Barr recently gave a lecture at the law school at Notre Dame University about the necessity of the Christian faith in establishing but also sustaining civil society. In a plurality of beliefs, where do we turn for the foundation of society? Hodges and Vowell discuss the lecture itself, and whether giving such a lecture breaks the "establishment" clause or is making use of the "free-exercise" clause of the First Amendment, and whether he is right in saying that faith is necessary for freedom.Send comments to us at director@centerws.com.Recommendations:  AG Barr's ND speech:  transcription, and videooppositional viewpoints:  Catholic National Reporter, NYT, and Rod Dreher's support here.Jack recommends you go outside or go grocery shopping for relieving discouragement and to get perspective.

Attorney General William Barr recently gave a lecture at the law school at Notre Dame University about the necessity of the Christian faith in establishing but also sustaining civil society. In a plurality of beliefs, where do we turn for the foundation of society? Hodges and Vowell discuss the lecture itself, and whether giving such a lecture breaks the "establishment" clause or is making use of the "free-exercise" clause of the First Amendment, and whether he is right in saying that faith is necessary for freedom. Send comments to us at director@centerws.com. Recommendations: AG Barr's ND speech: transcription, and video oppositional viewpoints: Catholic National Reporter, NYT, and Rod Dreher's support here. Jack recommends you go outside or go grocery shopping for relieving discouragement and to get perspective.

Barr Speaks at Notre Dame:  Can We have Liberty Without Faith?

The Truth is a Person.  As long as we are trying to choose which system of thought is the right one, we are missing the Truth.  The problem isn't which system, it is which judge...Hodges and Vowell attempt to follow up on last week's podcast and provide what Christians are FOR rather than what they are against.

The Radical Truth:  Ok, So if We Are Against That, What are we For?

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